Where to See Snowdrops in the North East and Yorkshire
Here's our pick of the best places across the North East and Yorkshire to see snowdrops this year
Snowdrop Walks at Howick Hall Gardens & Arboretum, Northumberland
The last three weeks of February have been declared a Snowdrop Festival at Howick Hall, the ancestral home of the Earls Grey. Take a wander round their woodlands and marvel at their impressive display of the tiny white flowers, most of which were planted by Lady Grey during the interwar period.
Open daily 10.30am–4pm from Saturday 10th February. For more information visit howickhallgardens.com.
Snowdrop Planting at Wallington, Northumberland
Beginning in 2015, members of the public have been helping the gardeners at Wallington to plant 100,000 snowdrops in their garden every year (that’s 900,000 so far!). If you’d like to take part, the event will be running every day during the February half term.
11am–3pm from Saturday 17th–Sunday 25th February. For more information visit nationaltrust.org.uk.
Hawthorn Dene, Seaham
Hawthorn Dene is a stunning nature reserve between Easington and Seaham. The reserve encompasses a steep, limestone ravine and snowdrops thrive on the woodland floor during spring. There are paths and steps that you can follow, but it’s still worth bringing proper footwear.
For more information visit durhamwt.com.
Snowdrop Planting at Gibside, Rowlands Gill
This February the gardeners at Gibside will be hard at work planting snowdrops around the estate’s chapel and for three days during half term, members of the public can join the effort. They will be planting between 10am and 3pm from Tuesday 20th February to Thursday 22nd, with an hour long break for lunch (digging is hungry work).
10am–12pm and 1pm–3pm from Tuesday 20th–Thursday 22nd February. For more information visit nationaltrust.org.uk.
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, Ripon
The ruins of Fountains Abbey might predate snowdrops by a few hundred years, but the flowers are now a firm part of the estate’s history. In the 19th century, the Earl de Grey even managed to write his signature in snowdrops by the river bank.
Open 10am–4pm daily. For more information visit nationaltrust.org.uk.
Snowdrop Sundays at Goldsborough Hall, Knaresborough
The Snowdrop Walk at Goldsborough Hall will take you on a stroll through the grounds to encounter more than 100 different varieties of snowdrop that grow there. They also have two Sundays during February that are entirely dedicated to the flowers, and will include plant sales, talks from the head gardener, and refreshments in the Orangery.
Snowdrop Sunday takes place Sunday 18th February, 11am–4pm. To book and find out more visit goldsboroughhall.com.
Snowdrop Days at York Gate, Leeds
York Gate is an Arts and Crafts inspired garden created by the Spencer family in the latter half of the 20th century. The main season for visitors starts in April and ends in October, but until 18th February, the garden will be welcoming visitors for their special Snowdrop Days.
Until Sunday 18th February, 10am–3pm. For more information visit perennial.org.uk.
Burton Agnes Hall & Gardens, Driffield
The specially planted woodland walk at Burton Agnes is about a mile long, and makes the perfect setting for a leisurely stroll surrounded by carpets of snowdrops. There’s also an adventure playground for those who might need to let off some steam before they can be persuaded to stop and admire the view.
Until Sunday 25th February, 11am–4pm. For more information visit burtonagnes.com.
Snowdrop Strolls at Kiplin Hall & Gardens, Richmond
Kiplin Hall is a Jacobean manor with huge grounds including woodlands that are covered in snowdrops at this time of year. They also offer a special snowdrop spotters guide for children, which you can pick up on your way in.
Until Sunday 31st March, 10am–4pm. To book and find out more visit kiplinhall.co.uk.
